CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
In a marked shift in water diplomacy and strategic signaling, India has significantly curtailed the downstream water release to Pakistan from the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is preparing to suspend flows from the Kishanganga project on the Jhelum. These moves come in the wake of escalating bilateral tensions, particularly following a recent terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam and Pakistan’s May 3 ballistic missile test. India’s decision also follows the temporary suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) a landmark agreement governing the shared river systems.
This Making Headlines
India’s actions concerning river water regulation have drawn global attention for two primary reasons:
Pakistan conducted a ballistic missile test on May 3, 2025, raising security concerns.
India suspended the IWT on April 22, 2025, shortly after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
Baglihar Dam (Chenab River): Major Water Flow Reduction
India has lowered the sluice gates and begun reservoir cleaning operations at Baglihar.
This has led to a sharp reduction of up to 90% in water flow entering Pakistan.
While the official explanation cites de-silting and reservoir maintenance, the timing suggests a strategic undertone.
Kishanganga Project (Jhelum River): Suspension Imminent
Plans are underway to halt water discharge from Kishanganga, citing large-scale maintenance needs.
The dam has previously been a point of contention, challenged by Pakistan at global arbitration forums but India’s design has largely received international backing.
Background: Indus Waters Treaty Under Strain
Signed in 1960 with World Bank mediation, the Indus Waters Treaty allocates: Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. Western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan.
India is permitted non-consumptive uses like hydropower on the western rivers but must follow specific guidelines.
Pakistan has long accused India of overreach in dam construction, although multiple verdicts have upheld India’s designs.
Strategic Retaliation & Diplomatic Messaging
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India decided to pause treaty obligations and exert pressure via non-kinetic means.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Home Affairs are jointly managing the situation.
Engineers from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) have been deployed to monitor dam operations in Jammu & Kashmir.
Additional diplomatic steps include banning Pakistani vessels from Indian ports.
Wider Implications And Significance
This marks India’s assertive use of hydrological rights as a tool of foreign policy.
The measures also aim to support water security in northern Indian states.
It underscores India’s shift toward non-military countermeasures in response to hostile provocations.
The developments are likely to reshape Indo-Pak relations, impact regional water security, and raise new challenges in global water diplomacy regarding transboundary river management.
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